Obama and family fly to Hawaii for Christmas

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama and his family are spending the Christmas holidays in Hawaii, where the president was born and raised.

The first family left Washington aboard Air Force One on Friday night. They are to arrive in Honolulu early Saturday.

White House officials say the president's vacation itinerary doesn't include any scheduled public events.

No return date has been given by the White House. Obama himself said earlier Friday that, since a deal hasn't been reached to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff," he would be returning to Washington after Christmas. The president told reporters: "I'll see you next week."

Obama and his family traditionally spend the end-of-year holidays in Hawaii.